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So the challenge of reviewing the latest on Obama and his direction toward domestic solutions brings up the question of whether or not we look at the package for the immediate good or the realization that the longer term issues are unwavering.  In the article, " Obama urges one-third cut in oil imports " Obama offers the same speech of focusing on the wider use of natural gas and biofuels and establishing higher fuel efficiency standards.  Yet in the same breath, there is a call for "oil companies to make greater use of the federal leases both onshore and offshore to prop up domestic oil output." In my classes, I've had discussions on how to gauge progress in environmental economics.  In one instance, we can commend the President and his drive to push for the advancement of alternative fuel sources, yet without addressing the reason why there is a need for alternatives, we end up with the "more domestic oil!" speech which does little for decreasing d...

The method of using incineration to generate power by burning material (or waste) and then converting the steam to power turbines easily brings up arguments for and against its use.  When discussing costs per tonnage, incineration requires the least capital.  However, the ash, emissions, and the clean-up required as a result of the incineration process is an environmental challenge. Pyrolysis involves the decomposition of organic material in the absence of oxygen, thereby reducing the amount of emissions.  In addition, the process produces very little ash.  This process can produce bio-fuel. In a recent article, " Donation Drives New Direction of Bioenergy Research at University of Idaho ", the University of Idaho received a donation from APT Advanced Trailer and Equipment LP to install a pyrolysis unit at the University's steam plant to research converting wood biomass to energy.   Extracted from the article, "The process yields about 60 percent bio-o...